Music And Dance
Choose one of the music or dance movements that you read about this week and at least one work from that movement. Then, address the following:
Examine the movement and specific work in relation to historical and political influences of the movement.
Identify characteristics of the movement and how the work reflects these characteristics.
Include a statement from the artist and one from a critic.
Include a link to the lyrics and/or video depending on your choice.
Sample Solution
The Harlem Renaissance was a major cultural movement in the 1920s and 1930s that focused on African-American literature, music, theatre, visual art and dance. One of the most influential works from this movement is Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem” which speaks to what could happen if dreams are deferred or denied. This poem reflects the political climate of its time by critiquing racism and oppression while also celebrating Black culture through references to jazz music and African American contributions to society. Similarly, Duke Ellington’s composition “Mood Indigo” also incorporates elements of jazz as well as blues influences from ragtime piano playing style – both genres seen as distinctly black forms of expression during this period. It too speaks to racial inequality with its melancholic undertones but does so in an artful manner that celebrates blackness instead of criticizing it directly.
